According to Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias, Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola would be ready to strenghten Barcelona’s back line by bidding for Benfica defender David Luiz (23). Luiz is reportedly one of Guardiola’s prime targets, and Barcelona would be ready to make a 30 million euro bid for the promising Brazilian. However, as Barcelona is struggling financially, the more likely option would reportedly be a player-plus-cash deal to reduce the initial transfer fee.

Diario de Noticias comments that Barcelona’s centre back options are limited. Dmytro Chygrynskiy was sold back to Shakhtar Donetsk after just one season, while Rafael Marquez joined New York Red Bulls. During this season, French international Eric Abidal has been playing in the centre back position, until Barcelona captain Carles Puyol regains full form after an injury.

Guardiola is reportedly aware of the fact that he does not have sufficient cover for defensive positions, and the services of David Luiz would be more than welcome. However, several other European top clubs are also interested in the Benfica defender, including Chelsea, AC Milan and Real Madrid.